Cryosafe VS Series Biological Liquid Nitrogen Transport Dewar System
| Brand | Cryosafe |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | VS |
| Liquid Nitrogen Capacity | 1.5–12.3 L |
| Evaporation Rate | 0.09–0.85 L/day |
| Operating Temperature | ≤ –185 °C |
Overview
The Cryosafe VS Series is a purpose-engineered biological liquid nitrogen transport dewar system designed for the safe, stable, and compliant movement of cryopreserved biospecimens—including human oocytes, embryos, stem cells, PBMCs, and primary tissue samples—between laboratories, biobanks, IVF clinics, and clinical trial sites. Operating on passive cryogenic storage principles, the VS system maintains sample integrity through vapor-phase or liquid-phase immersion within ultra-low temperature environments (≤ –185 °C), minimizing thermal stress and preserving cellular viability during transit. Unlike general-purpose dewars, the VS platform integrates structural optimization for mechanical shock resistance, validated thermal performance across ambient fluctuations (15–30 °C), and design alignment with international cold-chain logistics requirements—including IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) for air transport (VS-IATA model). Its dual-mode operation (liquid-phase for maximum thermal stability; vapor-phase for reduced cross-contamination risk) supports both short-term transfer and extended hold periods under controlled conditions.
Key Features
- Engineered low-evaporation architecture: Optimized vacuum insulation and multi-layer reflective shielding reduce LN₂ loss to as low as 0.09 L/day (VS-IATA), enabling up to 51 days of unattended holding capacity under ISO 20417-defined ambient test conditions.
- Versatile sample configuration: Supports multiple storage formats—including 0.5 mL straws (bulk or 10-per-strip), cryovials (1.8–5.0 mL), and standardized cryoboxes—via interchangeable canisters and rack systems compatible with ANSI/SLAS footprint standards.
- Transport-grade safety integration: VS 7 and VS 8 models include factory-installed splash-resistant shipping enclosures that absorb accidental LN₂ spillage and mitigate pressure buildup; optional enclosures available for other variants.
- IATA-certified variant (VS-IATA): Fully compliant with Packing Instruction 206 and Special Provision A105, including pressure-relief venting, UN-specification labeling, and documentation-ready design for global air freight.
- Robust mechanical construction: Stainless steel inner vessel, reinforced aluminum outer shell, and ergonomic handle/grip geometry engineered to withstand repeated handling, vibration, and drop testing per ISTA 2A protocols.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The VS system accommodates diverse biospecimen types without compromising sterility or viability: human gametes and embryos (per ASRM and ESHRE guidelines), hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and archived FFPE tissue blocks. All models meet ISO 13485:2016 design control requirements for medical device-related storage systems and support GLP/GMP-aligned workflows through traceable batch documentation. The VS-IATA variant carries full UN 3373 Biological Substance, Category B certification and is validated for use in FDA-regulated clinical trials requiring 21 CFR Part 11-compliant chain-of-custody tracking when paired with Cryosafe’s optional RFID-enabled monitoring kit.
Software & Data Management
While the VS series operates as a passive dewar system, it is fully interoperable with Cryosafe’s optional CryoTrack™ Bluetooth-enabled temperature and fill-level monitoring module (sold separately). This accessory provides real-time logging of internal vessel temperature (±0.5 °C accuracy), LN₂ level (ultrasonic sensing), ambient exposure duration, and lid-open events—data exportable via CSV or integrated into LIMS platforms using HL7/FHIR-compliant APIs. Audit trails comply with ALCOA+ principles and support regulatory submissions requiring electronic record integrity per 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11.
Applications
- Clinical embryo/oocyte transport between IVF centers and satellite labs
- Multi-site biobanking initiatives requiring inter-facility specimen exchange
- Cell therapy logistics for autologous CAR-T and MSC product distribution
- Regulatory submission support for FDA IND/IDE and EMA CTA applications
- Longitudinal cohort studies involving serial sample shipment under controlled thermal conditions
FAQ
What temperature range does the VS system maintain during transport?
The VS system sustains ≤ –185 °C in liquid-phase mode and –150 °C to –190 °C in vapor-phase mode, depending on LN₂ fill level and ambient conditions.
Is the VS-IATA model certified for commercial airline transport?
Yes—the VS-IATA variant is UN-certified (UN 2448), meets IATA DGR Packing Instruction 206, and includes all required labeling, documentation templates, and pressure-relief features.
Can the VS dewar be used for long-term static storage?
It is optimized for transport and short-term holding (up to 51 days); for continuous static storage, Cryosafe recommends its V-series upright freezers or T-series tank-based biorepositories.
Are calibration certificates and IQ/OQ documentation available?
Factory-issued IQ/OQ protocols and NIST-traceable temperature validation reports are provided upon request for regulated environments.
Does the system support automated inventory tracking?
When paired with the CryoTrack™ module and compatible LIMS, barcode/RFID scanning of cryoboxes and straws enables full digital chain-of-custody logging.
